ACT drivers have the most fuel-efficient vehicles but spend more each week on their cars than interstate counterparts, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures.
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The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) report found national average fuel consumption was 10.6 litres per 100 kilometres (l/100km) in 2016.
There was almost a litre of fuel in it.
In Canberra the average was 9.7 l/100km due to high proportions of newer vehicles and small cars and fewer cars with six cylinder or larger engines.
Fuel efficiency has improved over time with the 2000 national average fuel consumption being 11.9 l/100km trending downwards since to 10.6 l/100km in 2016.
Motorcycles are also becoming more fuel-efficient, using 5.6 l/100km in 2016, down from a peak of 6.5 l/100km in 2007.
The report's fuel consumption estimations were based on factors such as vehicle type, fuel type, number of cylinders and year of manufacture.
North Canberra was among six areas surveyed with less than 22 per cent of six plus cylinder vehicles.
The survey's scope comprised all vehicles that were registered with a state or territory motor vehicle authority for road use during the 12 months ending October 31, 2016.
It excluded vehicles belonging to the defence services, those with diplomatic or consular plates, and or those registered as vintage or veteran cars.
And while we can pat ourselves on the back about fuel efficiency, a BITRE report released in May showed Canberrans had the highest weekly car cost in the country.
This study drew on the latest data from the 2009-10 ABS Household Expenditure Survey to summarise the average Australian household spends.
Across all capital cities the average weekly spend was $160 per week, and $172 per week in regional Australia.
Households in Canberra spent the most, $206 per week, on owning and operating vehicles, followed by Melbourne with spends of $167 per week.
Canberrans spent 54 per cent more each week on vehicle purchase costs compared to the average Australian, and 26 per cent more registration and insurance costs.
ABS has recently conducted the 2015-16 Household Expenditure Survey and results are expected to be released this month.
BITRE plans to revisit the analysis of household expenditure and identify whether any significant shifts have occurred in household spending on owning and operating vehicles between 2009-10 and 2015-16.
